What we are thankful for...YOU!

I know that this has not been the most productive year for many of us, so as you sit around your Thanksgiving Table this year, you may find yourself straining to list all the wonderful things to be thankful for.

As I think about it, I think that we at Hicks have a lot to be thankful for...

Our customers have helped us grow as both a company and as individuals. Learning more and more about out fields has turned out to be fun rather than work. We have established relationships with our customers that are built on trust and loyalty, and for that we are very grateful.

Even though we are not as busy as we have been in the past several years, our customers have brought us very challenging and different projects that have kept us on our toes and up on our product knowledge.

We have even met new customers this year that have joined with us to grow both their companies and ours.

Looking forward I think it should be a fabulous 2010!!!

Thank you all again for your friendship, support and patronage throughout the year. We are truly thankful to have customers like you.

HDI Wine List

While I was out to dinner this weekend, I was perusing over the wine list...not knowing what goes with what, I settled on my regular Chianti. After thinking about it, I decided that I needed to get a bit more cultured and learn what I should be drinking with what. It is in this vein, that this post formed. Considering all wine drinkers drink wine in the kitchen (at some point), what wine goes with the kitchen you have?

CLASSIC WHITE:

PINOT GRIGIO: A classic white kitchen is like any poultry or veal dish, they can be served simple or spicy. Most white kitchens rely on walls and accent pieces for color. This kitchen shows how all white can be striking with very sparing accent color.

Wine Selection: Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio

ASIAN INSPIRED:

CABERNET SAUVIGNON: The Asian-inspired style of this kitchen can only make me think of sushi and egg rolls. Sitting at the bar area having lunch would require a bold, dry Cabernet to go with it. The simple style and clean lines of the kitchen make it seem functional and complete.

Wine selection: Blossom Trail Cabernet Sauvignon

VICTORIAN:

RIESLING: This Victorian kitchen takes you back to when times were simpler. Pairing it with a Riesling allows you a choice between appetizers and dinner. The open shelving combined with alternating colors givings you a broad spectrum of possibilities Somehow this kitchen manages to be both semi-sweet and off-dry. You know that it is a modern kitchen because of the appliances and lighting, but you almost wonder if they have a corded telephone...or 'gasp' any telephone at all!!

Wine Selection: Josmeyer Riesling Brand Vt White

OLD WORLD:

SPARKLING WINES: This old world style kitchen is ready to celebrate. It has a sense of history to it and it willing to show it! Any crisp and bubbly Champagne would open up this kitchen to a world of stories, and make you feel as though you have been lost on a French countryside.
Wine Selection: Moet & Chandon Dom Perignon

A TASTE OF ITALY:

CHIANTI: As anyone who has even been to Tuscany can tell you, Chianti is the wine of the area. It's full bodied taste is ever present, and the area in which is made is gorgeous. this kitchen is a perfect example of that. The THREE colors of wood make it eye-catching and complex. The only thing it is missing now is a window opening up into an olive grove!
Wine Selection: Verazzano Chianti Classico Reserve

CLASSIC CHERRY:

CABERNET BLANC: A versatile kitchen deserves a versatile wine! This kitchen can be paired with anything. It is ready for an elegant dinner party on Saturday as well as a family get together on Sunday. Just like the wine. Classic Cherry and Maple cabinets vary in color and sweetness. Choose a current style to make the kitchen pop.
Wine Selection: Chateau Cheval Blanc 2001

TRADITIONAL HOME:

ZINFANDEL: A traditional kitchen like this is as timeless as you can get. Pairing this kitchen with a classic zinfandel would not only only bring out the cabinets light to full bodied style, it would make any kitchen the heart of the home.
Wine Selection: Beringer White Zinfandel 2007

Well, I am not sure if any of this wine knowledge is really going to sway me from my regular wine selection, but it sure has made me think about doing some research! In short, kitchens are complex spaces, they can be light to full bodied, semi-sweet or dry, traditional or off-tempered. Whatever kicthen choice you make, be sure to choose the kitchen that works best with your tastes...whichever wine selection that is!!!

All photos are courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens.

Designing custom kitchens in Bucks County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County,Pennsylvania.

Be a fan on facebook... www.facebook.com/hicksdistributors

Follow us on Twitter... http://twitter.com/HDICabinets

Hollywood Actress' NYC home.

Click on the picture above, to take a look at the home of Julianne Moore. I like the open shelving in the office, although, I could NEVER keep my books that neat. I also love the bathroom. The kitchen is beautiful, although a bit to modern for the overall asthetic of the room. That is only my opinion though. What do you think?

http://www.hicksdistributors.com/

Designing custom kitchens in Bucks County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County,Pennsylvania.
Be a fan on facebook... www.facebook.com/hicksdistributors
Follow us on Twitter... http://twitter.com/HDICabinets

How to Be Greener, Save Energy and Save Money

I know everyone is trying to save some money this winter, so with that in mind, I found this article and thought it was a good one to share. Not only can going green help the enviornment, it can save us some money too!

With the increasing amount of news stories about living a 'greener', more 'eco-friendly' life, it is easy to get lost in all the information given about this topic. Fear not, it is easier than you think to become more 'green', and at the same time, save some extra cash to spend on the things that are worth spending money on.

By using simple steps, it is clear to see how you can save money on your heating, electric and water bills. The following steps will show you how you can join the increasing amount of people who are living a more 'greener', more 'eco-friendly' lifestyle.

Easy ways to save electricity:
Turn TV's, DVD players, games consoles off at the plug when not in use. Some appliances use up to 90% of their power when on standby, so switch them off at the plug to save electricity and money. Line dry clothes to save energy from your tumble drier. Tumble driers are the second biggest energy user in the home after the fridge.
If the weather is poor, you can always use a clotheshorse to dry your
clothes.

Use energy efficient lighting around the home. Although energy efficient lighting seems expensive at present, energy efficient light bulbs can last up to 10 times longer, and use only 25% of energy used by standard lighting. In the long run, the bulbs will pay for themselves.

Easy ways to save water:
By turning taps off when shaving and when brushing your teeth, you can save
at least 6 litres of water per minute. If your taps leak, you could be wasting
up to 5,500 litres of water per year, so always replaced your taps faulty
washers.

Storing water in the fridge will stop you running the tap for long periods to get cold water. Switch to watering the garden with a watering can. You can water your plants directly at the base so that the water goes straight to their roots, not on the leaves. Remember to water your plants in the evening to reduce evaporation.

Easy ways to save heat:
Turning your thermostat down by 1 degree, you can save up to 10% on your heating bill each year.

Use energy saving window blinds to help trap warm air inside the home in cold weather, and direct sunlight out during hot weather. These types of blinds are around the same price as standard blinds, and can help you save money on your heating bills. Why would anyone want to waste money on blinds that increase your heating bill?

* By following these simple steps, it is easy for anyone to save energy, and save some extra cash to buy the things that are actually worth buying. Easy Green Store is a UK based website specializing in energy saving, green products and energy saving tips. Please visit our website for other tips to help you save energy and money.

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter at: http://www.easygreenstore.co.uk/newsletter.php
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Luke_Reid
Article written by Luke Reid

http://www.hicksdistributors.com/

Designing custom kitchens in Bucks County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County,Pennsylvania.

Be a fan on facebook... www.facebook.com/hicksdistributors

Follow us on Twitter... http://twitter.com/HDICabinets

Cabinet Trends!

A TOUCH OF ITALY: One trend in kitchen design is to mix wood finishes or colors, using contrast to draw special attention to different zones in the kitchen. Here an Italian-inspired hutch outfitted with a microwave, coffee bar, and small sink defines a distinct breakfast area between the kitchen and the butler's pantry.... Painted a dark green that's nearly black and highlighted with silver leaf, the hutch anchors the kitchen's heirloom feeling, which results from a mix of woods and furniture-style cabinetry. Woods include cherry for the island, a mahogany "armoire" for the refrigerator (not seen), and butternut cabinetry around the perimeter.

http://www.hicksdistributors.com/
Designing custom kitchens in Bucks County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County,Pennsylvania.Be a fan on facebook... www.facebook.com/hicksdistributors
Follow us on Twitter... http://twitter.com/HDICabinets

THANK YOU!

Today is Veteran's Day!!!

Thank you to all the Veteran's who have made our freedoms possible!

The Chilled Water Tank by InSinkErator

Nothing beats a glass of clean, ice-cold water. With the Chilled Water Tank from InSinkErator, bottled water cost and empty bottle waste will become a thing of the past. When used with the hot/cool Instant Hot Water Dispenser, or the Cold Only Faucet from InSinkErator (each sold separately from tank), cold water is always ready to be tapped right at your kitchen sink.

Compact Design

The economical Chilled Water Tank by InSinkErator is compact and designed to fit right under your sink. The 1/3 gallon stainless steel tank boasts a cooling capacity of 1.0 gallons per hour with an adjustable thermostat for your desired temperature, between 33-45° F. So when you turn on your hot/cool Instant Hot Water Dispenser, or your Cold Only Faucet, you get the cold water that you want, instantly.

Seemless Design

The elegant Instant Hot Water Dispenser and the Cold Only Faucet are both styled to blend with all kitchen decors. The graceful high-arching spout swivels for greater convenience and the stylishly integrated lever provides a dramatic look.

InSinkErator's Complete SystemConsider adding the InSinkErator F201 Filtration System to your chilled water tank, for cleaner, fresher tasting water. The chilled water tank comes with a 3 Year They Come to You In Home Warranty.

http://www.hicksdistributors.com/
Designing custom kitchens in Bucks County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County,

Pennsylvania.Be a fan on facebook... http://tinyurl.com/HicksFB

Follow us on Twitter... http://twitter.com/HDICabinets

Where style meets function, and design options are limitless...

Homecrest Holiday Observance

In observance of these holidays, Homecrest Offices will be closed on the following days:

November 26 & 27 & 30
December 21- January 1, 2010

Please note that orders may experience delays because of this break.

http://www.hicksdistributors.com/

Designing custom kitchens in Bucks County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.

Be a fan on facebook... http://tinyurl.com/HicksFB
Follow us on Twitter... http://twitter.com/HDICabinets

Where style meets function, and design options are limitless...

I just went out to measure for some Laundry Room and Bar Cabinets in a previous customer's home. I was so excited to finally get to see the kitchen we worked on a while back. It turned out to be lovely which matches not only the rest of the house, but the customer as well. I can't wait to get going on the new areas. Thank you for the opportunity to work together again!



Cabinets: Fieldstone Glen Cove Cherry Toffee/Ebony & Maple White/Ebony
Black Ribbon Accent in crown
Countertops: Cambria Quartz

The Fireplace wall was also done in Fieldstone cabientry with pocket doors and open display areas to compliment the kitchen...

Kitchen and Fireplace Area designed by Kristin B. Filosa

Home built by Souder and Sounder Contracting

http://www.hicksdistributors.com/
Designing custom kitchens in Bucks County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.
Be a fan on facebook... http://tinyurl.com/HicksFB
Follow us on Twitter... http://twitter.com/HDICabinets
Where style meets function, and design options are limitless...

Fieldstone Color Expansion - BLACK

Fieldstone has offered Black tinted varnish for accent pieces for a long time, and now you can order Black tinted varnish for Maple cabinetry!

Black tinted Varnish is available in all line: Fieldstone, Fieldstone Custom, and Fieldstone Custom Inset

It has a Low Sheen with No spattering & No distressing.

Black tinted varnish carries the following upcharge:
Fieldstone Custom +13%
Fieldstone Custom Inset +13%
Fieldstone +16%

This is an exciting addition to the Fieldstone line up!

http://www.hicksdistributors.com/

Designing custom kitchens in Bucks County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.

Be a fan on facebook... http://tinyurl.com/HicksFB

Follow us on Twitter... http://twitter.com/HDICabinets

Where style meets function, and design options are limitless...